AHCA/NCAL sends letter to HHS requesting extension of PHE

• By: Nadine Grosso
• On: 03/24/2022 14:15:52
• In: COVID-19

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) sent a letter recently to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to request an extension of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration, which is set to expire in a few weeks, so that long term and post-acute care providers can continue to offer the most efficient and effective care possible to our nation's most vulnerable population.
 
In the communication, AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson outlines the threat of a COVID resurgence in the United States due to the BA.2 variant and the unprecedented challenges that the sector has endured as a result of the pandemic. Parkinson elaborates on the impact of the labor shortage and the financial burden of providers having to rely on temporary staff.
 
Additionally, Parkinson calls for the federal government to prioritize long term care for access to urgently needed resources, such as COVID-19 testing and treatments. Providers have faced ongoing challenges in accessing the tests and treatments needed to respond quickly to COVID outbreaks, even when residents are fully vaccinated.
 
To read the full letter, click HERE

Staff contact: ngrosso@mehca.org